Business incubator doing well, might expand

The Accelerator, now in two buildings in New Windsor, is looking to add locations in Middletown.

The Accelerator, the Orange County Industrial Development Agency’s regional incubator for cottage-industry manufacturers, has done so well that officials again are looking to expand its capacity.

There are 10 small businesses in the first Accelerator building next to Stewart International Airport, with clothing and hightech manufacturing taking place.

Accelerator II, which opened nearby, is at capacity with five businesses — all bottling, in soaps and cleansers.

Now Accelerator Chief Operating Officer Laurie Villasuso said Accelerator officials are looking at possible expansion in the city of Middletown, possibly at three locations: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and the city-owned former Woolworth building and former TD Bank building.

“We are fully booked,” Villasuso said. “We are at capacity. We have 80 percent womenowned businesses, which is incredible, and now we are looking for our next space, so, in addition to Middletown, we might expand a little further here at Stewart because it has been so popular.”

Accelerator Managing Director Vincent Cozzolino said the possibility of expanding the Accelerator into other counties is being considered.

MID-HUDSON NEWS NETWORK Stephanie Falsetta, center, owner of Goats in a Coat, a maker of goat milk-based soaps, is shown with Orange County Accelator officials Laurie Villasuso, left, and Vincent Cozzolino.